Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs has been honoured with this season's PFA Merit award.

The former Red Devils winger made his Old Trafford bow 25 years ago, winning both the Young Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year during his decorated career, and is currently Louis van Gaal's number two.

Giggs follows in the footsteps of United legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Bobby Charlton in winning the Merit award, and he thanked those around him for helping him achieve his goals.

"I'm chuffed to have to have won all three awards; the young player was a long time ago and then the player award was a big surprise," he said.

"This is the culmination of around 25 years since my debut, so it's a credit to myself, my team-mates, staff, family and friends."When you win each award you look down the trophy and you see the players who have won it before and you realise what a great accolade it is.

"This is the same. I've been here on the nights when people have won it and it's legends of the game. I'm fortunate to win it and I'll enjoy it.

The 42-year-old, who made 963 appearances for United, also credited former boss Ferguson for the success he enjoyed at the club.

"What Sir Alex always used to say was enjoy it. It was the last thing he said when you went out and played."Everything that comes with that obviously - improve every day, practise, listen, dedicate yourself - but most of all enjoy your football.

"That went for playing when I was 17 until when I was 40. It was a privilege to play at Old Trafford and I tried to enjoy it."